Planetary Science

Planetary Science

How did the solar system form and evolve?Why did life evolve on Earth?Could life exist elsewhere?

NASA’s planetary science missions and explorations study the evolution of our solar system, the development of life on Earth, and the potential for life elsewhere.

Education and outreach efforts in planetary science employ education professionals and science investigators to convey the spectacular discoveries made regularly in the ongoing exploration of our solar system. Catching new views of previously uncharted territories, monitoring changes on other worlds, and following the journeys of robotic explorers roving or orbiting a far-off planet, comet, or asteroid inspire old and young alike to join in on NASA’s scientific adventures.

Missions

Acknowledgements: Data cited for individual mission and grant programs described on this website were originally provided via the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) Community Workspace (http://www.smdepo.org/page/5324).